Yet another game went down to the wire as we seem to be getting used to these nail biting finishes.  The game should never have been that close as our performance warranted being further in front by the time that Arden were throwing men forward in the latter stages. 

We were really terrific and we constantly opened up the Arden defence.  Defensively we were again brave and sound with Robbo and Dayle given specific jobs to nullify Arden’s strength out wide. 

Graham would start in midfield to help to strengthen us at set pieces and he did a great job against some good Arden midfielders.  Will was again at his dynamic best in the early stages and Matt was bursting through the midfield on a regular basis.  The game was very even but Gee and Ben seemed to have the edge upfront and it looked like we had a great chance. 

Chances began to come.  Mark and Kev both headed corners wide.  A cross from the left from Gee just evaded Will and then Ben’s cross from the right was brilliantly cut out with Gee waiting to pounce. 

Gee was a real thorn in their side with pace and movement and he looked the most likely to break through.  Our best move saw Ross come in from the right and link up with Matt.  We got the ball into Ben and his pace and left foot shot flashed wide. 

Our back four were solid.  Robbo did a great job on a very good player and Kev, Mark and Dayle were equally impressive. 

We got the goal we deserved as we began to dominate.  Gee’s shot from the angle beat the keeper at his near post.  Minutes later Gee muscled his way past the defence and had his shot well saved by the keeper.  Ross was becoming a much bigger influence in midfield and at half time we should have been further ahead. 

The 2^nd half would be harder as the wind picked up and the battle commenced.  Our back four with Will and Graham protecting were much busier.  We had two great chances just after half time.  Gee found himself through again but his shot went wide.  Ben was next to go through but again our finishing cost us. 

We needed a 2^nd goal and eventually we got it as we were still well on top.  Gee was bundled over in the box and Matt stuck the penalty away. 2-0. 

Now it would be a matter of holding out.  Our back four were superb and James was coming into the game more and more.  Arden created some chances and the minutes were going slower and slower.   

Arden got a goal from a set piece, which we all know, I hate conceding from.  The last 10 minutes really was backs against the wall. Will made crucial blocks, Mark threw himself around and we were holding out. 

A last minute corner could so easily have taken the game into extra time and the incident really highlighted the fine lines between victory and defeat.  The corner was half cleared and then headed back over James.  Ross hooked it off line and we broke away and Dylan ran the length of the field with the ball to tap it into an empty net. 

As you would expect. Arden thought their shot had crossed the line.  I could not be sure as it was so close.  The referee said at the end that he had a good position and it definitely wasn’t in.  A couple of Arden parents on the far side said they also thought it was a good decision.  Unfortunately 1 or 2 people got carried away with their protests.  Typically it always seems to be the people who are furthest away, with the worst view of it that seem to have the most to say.  I understand exactly how they feel as remember a few weeks ago we thought we had scored 2 good goals at Coleshill and ended up losing 1-0. 

I was so proud of the boys today and I thought we thoroughly deserved our win.  Through sheer volume of chances created, this was a great display.  We couldn’t have got a tougher drawer in the 1^st round of this County Cup and hopefully we can stay in this competition and get the opportunity to play some teams from outside of Central Warwickshire. 

The man of the match award is tough with so many excellent displays.  I would probably give it to Gee for scoring one and getting the penalty, as well as being a constant threat.  I think Robbo, Mark and Ross deserve big mentions too.  (Other than Rob’s throw ins). 
 
 

 Team 

 

Grady 

Bissell       O’Neill         Williams(M)       Palmer 

Foley       Coyne       Hill       Barber 

Williams(B)       Gee

 

Scorers : Gee (1), Barber (1 pen), McLoughlin (1)

Subs :Mcloughlin, Ryan, Halloran, Stokes, Foster